Topel, Henrietta 1852 - 1917

TOPEL, KOELKE, BOWMAN, MORRIS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/22/2021 at 10:37:24

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 08 Mar. 1917. Monona column.

Mrs. Henrietta Topel died at her home in Monona, Thursday, March 1st, 1917, after a long illness, at the age of 64 years.

She was born at Gaura, Germany, November 11th, 1852. She was married in her native land to August Topel in 1879, and came to the United States four years later.

They came directly to Iowa and have lived in Clayton and Allamakee counties except for three years spent at Rock Valley, Iowa.

She was the mother of eight children, all of whom are living: Mrs. J. J. Koelke, Charles, Louis, Mrs. E. C. Bowman, William, Mr. L. R. Morris, Emil and Amanda. She is also survived by her husband.

Mrs. Topel has been a hard working woman. She was known as an honest, self-respecting, frugal woman, working under difficult circumstances to maintain her independence and to make provision for each want until the very last.

She believed in God and felt there was only One who could forgive sin, and to Him she looked for redemption. A week before her death the Holy Sacrament was administered at her request. By this she was greatly comforted, believing that Christ was sufficient in life and death. We bid her an earthly good bye, respecting her womanhood and integrity of character.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church at half-past two o'clock, Saturday, Rev. James B. Bird officiating. Interment in the Monona cemetery.